HEATHER BLACK AGREED TO DO THE THING THAT NOBODY ELSE COULD TO DO.
Use her animagus form, and protect Harry Potter for fifteen years.
As an owl.
As Hedwig.
***
Travis McKinnon wanted nothing more than to do something useful.
So he used his animagus...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
IN OWL FORM, HEATHER had been able to find almost anybody—being an owl. But as a human, she was more lost than ever.
She and Travis had staggered to the castle and found Dumbledore in his office. The man was waiting for them already—and he had sighed so deeply in relief when he saw them that he almost began to cry.
He had worried that they would not survive—that they would not be able to turn back successfully—but they had. And he couldn't be more grateful for it.
"Miss Black," Dumbledore said, pulling out two chairs for the teenagers, "Mr. McKinnon."
The two of them collapsed in the chairs, tiredness reflected in their eyes as they turned their gaze to meet that of the old man.
Neither of them said anything—until Dumbledore realised that they weren't going to speak and cleared his throat, "Congratulations."
The Headmaster seemed to eye both of them carefully for any sign of injury or trace of evidence regarding what they had been doing in the past fifteen years.
Finding nothing, he said, "You are both underage; and have not done anything illegal. As such, the Ministry will have no right to question, interrogate or trial you—or even suspect you. There is no evidence of any illegal activity—thus you will both be safe."
Travis said, "Thank you." His voice was hoarse.
Dumbledore gave him a nod and a smile, "And if they do—I will inform them of just that, as well as what I have told you I would tell them. If they question you, do not tell them of anything—simply bring them to me and I will sort out any problems. However, tomorrow, you will still need to spend the morning in your animagus forms around Harry and Neville. I will require you at Breakfast to be sorted in front of the students in your human forms. I will introduce the both of you. You will receive your timetables and attend classes as scheduled. You must be cautious and remember to not raise suspicions—outside of classes, ensure to stay in your animagus forms when Harry and Neville need you, to avoid being found out. Sometimes, you will need to spend classes in your animagus forms—and that will not be a problem as all the Professors have been informed of your circumstances—yes, even Professor Snape—,"
"Even Umbridge?" Travis frowned, wringing his hands nervously.
"Ah, no," Dumbledore shook his head, "And it would be wise to not inform her at all. She is a Ministry official who has no business here other than what she was told to do by Cornelius Fudge and does not require to know about these things." But he then smiled, "I do wish you both the best of luck. Feel free to come and speak to me when you need guidance, and continue reporting important information about Harry and Neville to me so I can help them when they need it."
